Crime and Security

Things are much safer around the country now, since the peace treaty in 2002. But, you'd be wise always to check the current situation with the tourist board and heed local advice.

Offences of mugging and street crime in Colombo are low but it pays to be careful. Avoid lonely places at night and be wary of accepting lifts from strangers. If you are staying in a hotel, your valuables should be placed in the safety deposit box. Remember that property left lying around may be very tempting to those who earn less in a year than many Westerners earn in a month. In case of an emergency a special unit called the "Tourist Police" is available to visitors in Sigiriya, Bentota, Negombo and Hikkaduwa.

All city beaches should be avoided at night, especially those in Colombo, which take on a seedy and dangerous atmosphere after dark - muggings, robberies and worse have been known to take place on Mount Lavinia beach. Solo travellers should avoid the beach at this time altogether.

There are occasional military and police road-blocks on roads leading to Colombo. Most of the area of Fort in the city itself is closed to traffic and some parts are off-limits to pedestrians too. If you are using a taxi with a prominent hotel logo (such as the Colombo Hilton taxis, which have liveried chauffeurs), you are unlikely to be stopped. However, vans or three-wheeler taxis are frequently stopped for checks. For this reason, always carry your passport or a copy of it or some other form of official-looking identity with your photograph on it. Tourists, however, are usually waved on with no more than a glance.

Female travellers in tourist spots, especially on beaches, are likely to attract unwanted attention. On the West Coast, around the vicinity of Unawatuna, beach bums solicit female European holiday-makers looking for a local gigolo, so you may be propositioned along these lines. Pests can be repelled effectively if you just walk away, avoiding contact of any sort and saying nothing. On the whole, eye contact is seen as a "come-on", so, even if simply walking along the road, avoid looking at men who are strangers.

Women should avoid going out alone at night. Never walk or take a trishaw and never accept a lift from a stranger, but hire a cab from a reputable company. You may find yourself the victim of opportunistic groping on a crowded bus or train. Deal with this by drawing attention to the perpetrator and his actions. Be wary of the male who sits beside you when there are plenty of seats elsewhere. Your refusal or reluctance to move away will be interpreted as an invitation to take matters further.

Sexual abuse of children (up to 18 years old) carries a mandatory sentence of 7-20 years imprisonment, with heavy fines and compensation to victims. Both male and female prostitution is illegal.